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Roller screw actuator

Exlar FTX Series roller screw actuator

Heavy-duty motorless planetary roller-screw cylinder in four frame sizes, accepting inline or parallel-belt motor mounting, used as a direct replacement for large hydraulic cylinders.

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What are you specifying?

Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.

1 selected: Linear actuator

Key specifications

Ingress protectionIP65
Force (max)177,900 N
Stroke (max)1,200 mm
Linear speed (max)1,500 mm/s
Screw lead5, 10, 20 (FTX095, FTX125) / 6, 12, 30 (FTX160, FTX215)
Screw typeplanetary roller screw
SizesFTX095 (95 mm): 22.2 kN max; strokes 150-1200 mm; up to 1,500 mm/s (20 mm lead); 4,500 rpm max input, FTX125 (125 mm): 44.5 kN max; up to 1,166 mm/s; 3,500 rpm, FTX160 (160 mm): 89 kN max; up to 1,000 mm/s; 2,000 rpm, FTX215 (215 mm): 177.9 kN max; up to 875 mm/s; 1,750 rpm

Summarised in our own words from Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3

Notes on this data

Metric as printed. Manufacturer labels the figure 'max continuous force' in quick data but defines it as the maximum routinely applied force (22/44/89/178 kN in overview, 22.2/44.5/89/177.9 kN in spec tables). Per-frame stroke maxima for FTX125-215 not stated on page; series max 1200 mm. Low-temperature grease option rated -40 to 85 C ambient (lubricant rating, not a general actuator temperature spec, so not entered in specs). No backlash, repeatability or duty figures specific to FTX. 2026 FTX catalog PDF linked but not separately read.

Specify Motion is not affiliated with Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group. Exlar and FTX Series are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

Exlar FTX Series replacement and alternative options

Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Exlar part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.

Limited published data: 2 figures compared

Compact C7 ballscrew linear module with built-in guide, matched to 100-400 W servo motors from the main Japanese and Taiwanese brands.

Published maximumFTX SeriesBLM Built-in Linear Module
Force177,900 N—
Stroke1,200 mm1,250 mm meets or exceeds
Speed1,500 mm/s1,600 mm/s meets or exceeds
Limited published data: 2 figures compared

Steel-belt driven linear module with integral guide rail, intended as a long-stroke, high-speed replacement for pneumatic cylinders.

Published maximumFTX SeriesLB Belt-Drive Linear Actuator
Force177,900 N—
Stroke1,200 mm3,050 mm meets or exceeds
Speed1,500 mm/s2,000 mm/s meets or exceeds
Limited published data: 2 figures compared

Fully sealed version of the LB belt module with added dust protection for cleanroom use.

Published maximumFTX SeriesLBC Belt-Drive Linear Actuator (cleanr…
Force177,900 N—
Stroke1,200 mm3,050 mm meets or exceeds
Speed1,500 mm/s2,000 mm/s meets or exceeds

Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Typical applications

Hydraulic cylinder replacementAutomotive / EV battery pressingFood and beverage / packagingOil and gasPlasticsForestryEntertainment and motion simulationGround and naval defenceConveyors and hatches

What a roller screw actuator is

A roller screw actuator is a rod actuator driven by a planetary roller screw instead of a ball screw. Threaded rollers sit between the screw and nut, so the load is spread across many line contacts rather than a limited number of balls. This gives much higher load capacity, stiffness and shock resistance in the same envelope, and typically several times the life of a ball screw of similar size. Inverted designs place the rollers on the rod, allowing the motor rotor to drive the nut directly.

When engineers choose a roller screw actuator

Choose a roller screw actuator for high forces, long life, heavy duty cycles or shock loads, such as presses, welding guns, test rigs and hydraulic replacement. The trade-offs are cost, which is higher than an equivalent ball screw, and lower efficiency at very fine leads. For moderate loads and duty, a ball screw is usually more economical. Roller screws also tolerate higher accelerations and speeds at a given diameter, which helps compact high-force designs.

How to specify the Exlar FTX Series

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right FTX Series variant or an equivalent:

  • Peak and continuous force (N or kN)
  • Full motion profile with dwell times
  • Required life (km or cycles)
  • Stroke (mm) and speed (mm/s)
  • Shock or impact loads
  • Mounting and side-load conditions
  • Lubrication method and environment

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a roller screw when duty and load would let a ball screw do the job
  • Neglecting lubrication interval, which strongly affects roller screw life
  • Calculating life on peak force instead of the cubic mean load
  • Forgetting that motor and drive must also handle the peak force

Exlar FTX Series: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace Exlar FTX Series or source the original?

Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.

What is the Exlar FTX Series?

Heavy-duty motorless planetary roller-screw cylinder in four frame sizes, accepting inline or parallel-belt motor mounting, used as a direct replacement for large hydraulic cylinders. Published series figures include force 177,900 N, stroke 1,200 mm, linear speed 1,500 mm/s. It is made by Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.

Who makes the Exlar FTX Series?

The Exlar FTX Series is made by Exlar (Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group; brand names are used only to identify the product.

What is the force of the Exlar FTX Series?

The published series maximum force is 177,900 N. Individual models and sizes in the FTX Series range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.

Is there an alternative to the Exlar FTX Series?

We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Motion Control Products BLM Built-in Linear Module and Motion Control Products LB Belt-Drive Linear Actuator are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Why are roller screws longer lasting than ball screws?

In a planetary roller screw, the load is carried across many line contacts on the threaded rollers, while a ball screw carries load through point contacts on a limited number of balls. Lower contact stress per point gives more load capacity and a longer fatigue life for the same size, typically several times longer at the same load.

When is a ball screw a better choice than a roller screw?

A ball screw is usually better value for moderate loads, normal duty and modest life targets, and it is more widely available in standard sizes and leads. Choose a roller screw when force, shock, stiffness or life requirements push a ball screw beyond a sensible size. Calculating life with the real cycle usually shows which applies.

Further reading: Ball screw vs roller screw · Hydraulic to electric actuator · Linear actuators

Other roller screw actuator series

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